From dailyrepublic.com on Weather:
“While We’re Young” is the lead off batter on the new Huey Lewis and the News album entitled “Weather.” The staccato opening is broken up by a “Ah!” by the band’s singer/namesake, the horns kick into the groove and just like that you are home. The quintessential sound of the band–with elements of blue eyed soul, catchy melodies and pop hooks–is like a hug from an old friend.
“Do you remember when not so long ago all we had was time?” the opening line asks. The theme of time is covered again in the album’s closing number. It has been 40 years since the band’s eponymously-titled debut in 1980. Their sophomore disc, “Picture This,” that was their launching pad to international fame, featured a fresh-faced young Huey on the cover which is in contrast to the full face shot of an older, wiser Huey on the current offering.
Suisun City native and Armijo High Class of 1969/1970 Johnny Colla produced the new disc.
An earnest love song, “I Am There For You” is the next track and begins with some Steve Cropper-esque guitar and a warm humming harmonic intro that leads into the vocal.
The bluesy “Hurry Back Baby”starts with the line “I’m not gonna lie to you, ‘cause I am an honest man, but I was only looking for a one-night stand.” It features some very tasty guitar throughout and the horns are on point.
“Remind Me Why I Love You Again” is a clever and funny and funky workout pointing out differences couples have. I really like the line “I’m blue, you’re red, thank God we got a Sleep Number bed.” They were seriously in the pocket on this one.
“Pretty Girls Everywhere,” the 1959 Eugene Church hit, is given a faithful but not imitative treatment and seems to invite the listener to come for the fun song and stay for the playful background vocals.
My only criticism is that it is a short disc—just 7 songs that clock in at just over 26 minutes. Still, there is not a bad track, all killer, no filler. In fact, in my view, it is the most cohesive and enjoyable musical statement from the band since the 80’s glory days.
Plus, it’s always better not to kitchen sink an audience, but leave them wanting more.